Two weeks in Brittany with a Normandy visit

Anne,
Whenever we have been in Brittany we have had a car. But I believe the train, bus and coach system is quite extensive. I love Brittany and think you will enjoy your time there. Quimper is a charming city, as is Dinan. The Quimper cathedral is lovely. And be sure to spend one of your days in Bayeux seeing the tapestry and cathedral and strolling around the old town.
BTW, see if you can find any fetes or celebrations going on in Brittany when you are there. The culture is celtic, so different from the rest of France. I don't know what may be happening in the fall, but it's worth looking into.
Have fun!

KD - Opps! I meant Vannes so I correct to not further confuse.

Thanks!
Anne

KD - I'm sure cars are more convenient but I travel alone. I find it hard to drive, read the signs and navigate on my own.

I’m doing a similar trip, though by car, in 2025. 2 nights Rouen, 6 nights Dinan, 6 nights in a coastal town near Brest, 2 nights Paris.

I’ve not been to Vannes but I spent 3 nights in the area in 2017. If I were you, I’d look into how to get to the sites from Vannes and think through if Auray or Carnac are better positioned home bases. The trio of Carnac stones, Gavrinis and Locmariaque are great to visit.

We have been to Brittany twice once with a car (8days) and most recently without (14days). The local train and bus system is very good and will get you to almost anywhere you want to go. I would not drive again. From Dinan you can travel upriver to St Malo (if that is on your list) by ferry. Quimper is ideally located for short bus trips around Finistre. Personally I wouldn't allocate 3 days to Vannes but it isn't a bad choice. Look into visiting one of the islands.
https://www.brittanytourism.com/destinations/brittanys-islands/.
September,October seems ideal.
I found travel from Bayeux to Rennes doable but not direct... surprising given how close they appear on the map.
Brad

The Bayeux Tapestry Museum will be closed in September 2025 through 2027 for renovation.

https://www.bayeuxmuseum.com/la-tapisserie-de-bayeux/

Just mentioning this in case visiting is a part of your plans.

Anne,

I was just about to post something about driving v. public transit in Brittany for two weeks in September! I too travel alone, and I feel a bit overwhelmed with both being the driver and navigator when I don't know the language. Good to know that it is doable and reasonable to use trains and buses. Now to find a decent airfare!

Patty

Another vote for driving—even if solo. Sure, there is a lot to pay attention to, but it gives you so much flexibility and frankly allows you to visit places that would be impossible without your own transportation. FWIW, so far I have 10 trips to Normandy (a few included Brittany), and I have always traveled solo and with a car.

Hi Anne,
Below is our recent and very loooooooooong TR about southern Brittany. Maybe it'll help with your decision-making?
It may be necessary to scroll back to the top.
cheers
https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/lappel-de-mer-a-southern-brittany-tr-also-paris-1723447/#post17573265